Ear-Wearable Local AI Assistant for Offline Voice Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voice assistant systems require network connectivity to function, limiting their usability when a network connection is unavailable.
Innovation Solution
An ear-wearable device with local speech recognition and processing capabilities, allowing it to handle queries independently or connect to a network resource as needed, using a gateway device for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If voice assistant systems use network connectivity to function, then they can access comprehensive information and resources, but they cannot operate when network connection is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voice assistant functionality into local processing components (speech recognition, query handling) and network-dependent components. The local speech recognition model and query processing capabilities are embedded in the ear-wearable device, enabling autonomous operation for basic functions while maintaining network connectivity for enhanced capabilities when available.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-loading speech recognition models, local databases, and query processing capabilities into the ear-wearable device before network disconnection occurs. This allows the device to immediately handle voice queries locally without requiring network access, ensuring continuous functionality.
2Productivity
If voice assistant systems require network connectivity, then they can provide comprehensive responses, but they incur network dependency and potential latency
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-loads speech recognition models, local databases, and query processing capabilities into the ear-wearable device before network disconnection occurs. This allows the device to immediately handle voice queries locally without requiring network access, ensuring continuous functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a local speech recognition model and query processing system as an intermediary between the user and the network. This intermediary layer enables the device to process and respond to queries locally, eliminating network wait time for basic functions while maintaining the option to access network resources for complex queries.
3Adaptability or versatility
If speech recognition and processing are performed locally on the ear-wearable device, then the device can operate independently without network access, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the speech recognition and processing functionality into modular components that can be embedded in the ear-wearable device. This includes local speech recognition models, query processing logic, and response generation capabilities, which are divided into manageable modules that can be selectively activated based on query requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The local processing system in the ear-wearable device is designed to handle multiple types of queries and tasks using a unified architecture. The same local speech recognition and processing components can handle various query types (information retrieval, device control, scheduling), reducing overall system complexity while maintaining independent operation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to a local assistant system responding to voice input using an ear-wearable device. The system detects a wake-up signal and receives a first voice input communicating a first query content. The system includes speech recognition circuitry to determine the first query content, speech generation circuitry, and an input database of locally-handled user inputs. If the first audio input matches one of the locally-handled user inputs, then the system takes a local responsive action. If the first audio input does not match one of the locally-handled user inputs, then the system transmits at least a portion of the first query content over a wireless network to a network resource.